What Are Second Cities? [Why You Should Visit and 24 Top Second Cities]

Second cities are some of the best vacation destinations. A second city (or secondary city) is a city that’s not the largest, most popular city in a specific country or region. It’s usually the next-most popular, largest, or top city in a destination. Or just another destination or city that’s visited less than the primary city.

A helpful example of a second city is Porto, Portugal. Lisbon is the most famous city in Portugal. It’s frequently visited by tourists as the nation’s capital and has endless activities and attractions. Porto, the country’s second-largest city, has plenty of culture, architecture, and unique activities on offer, but it’s less crowded, more affordable, and a little more off the radar.

Second cities are subject to opinion and context, of course. Chicago is literally nicknamed the Second City in the U.S., “second” in line to New York City. However, Chicago is definitely not a second-tier city in Illinois — it’s the primary city.

Why Visit a Second City?

Why visit a second city? There are many reasons why visiting a secondary city can make for a memorable vacation. It might be less crowded, more affordable, and have fewer tourists. It may be less famous or less popular but have more hidden gems or feel more off the beaten path. And lately, with so much strain on popular tourist destinations (like Barcelona or Venice), you can help reduce overtourism by visiting a second city while having a more authentic travel experience.

Remember, there’s no rulebook for second cities. Someone might argue that their favorite second city isn’t even a second city at all. Maybe it’s a secondary region, beach town, or village. The idea with second cities is to spark variation with a traditional or popular travel experience. Thinking outside the box when selecting a vacation destination or traveling can show you how to travel in an entirely different way outside of the most popular primary destinations.

Here are some of my favorite second cities around the world and why you might want to visit them.

Top Second Cities Around the World

If you’re considering visiting a second city, here are some of the best second cities around the world to visit.

The 8 Best Secondary Cities in North America

Determining second cities in North America can be more complicated because, as the Chicago example proves, a second city within the U.S. or North America itself isn’t necessarily a second city within that state or region. That said, here are some of my favorite second cities in North America.

1. Chicago, Illinois

Known as the Second City (with a popular comedy club also named The Second City to boot), Chicago may seem to be hiding beneath New York City’s shadow. However, this Midwestern hub is clean and sparkly, with a gorgeous skyline view along Lake Michigan, an iconic baseball team rivalry (Cubs versus White Sox), and many diverse neighborhoods just waiting to be explored. Plus, some of its top highlights are excellent for families, like the massive Shedd Aquarium, the Chicago Art Institute, and the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, plus museums like the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. An architectural tour along the Chicago River is the ideal way to familiarize yourself with this iconic American city.

Hot Tip:

Chicago has two airports: O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). You can get to Chicago from either airport fairly easily. Midway is primarily served by Southwest Airlines, while O’Hare is the main international airport in the region.

2. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known as a second city to Atlanta, but it’s incredibly charming, especially ideal for couples looking for a quaint long weekend or anyone who wants to discover the city’s (reportedly) haunted sites. The city has plenty of cute and quirky activities to experience: Take a trolley tour, a ghost tour, wander the Savannah Botanical Gardens, or get a true taste of Southern charm by exploring the 30-acre Forsyth Park on foot or by bike.

3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A second city to regional hub of Chicago, Milwaukee’s 150 parks, 150 miles of bike trails, and 1,500 acres of beaches make it a worthy destination, especially in the summer. Annual events like Summerfest, one of the world’s largest music festivals, make it a destination for fans of live music each June and July. Not too far off from Milwaukee, a concert at Alpine Valley is another bucket-list item for live-music buffs. And it’s not just live music: Milwaukee also claims to have more theater seats per capita than any other destination, plus 8 professional sports teams to catch a game.

4. San Antonio, Texas

It may not be Austin, Houston, or Dallas, but San Antonio is a destination with deep historical roots and plenty of charm. You can’t leave without visiting the famous Alamo, and chowing down on Tex-Mex food is a must while there. But the iconic River Walk is the beating heart of the city center, a place to wander, cruise, sightsee, and enjoy. The walk is lined with hotels, restaurants, museums, and attractions like the River Walk Public Art Garden and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas.

Hot Tip:

San Antonio is home to fantastic hotels, including the brand-new InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, the Thompson San Antonio, and the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk.

5. St. Augustine, Florida

It’s definitely not as wild as Miami or as action-packed as Orlando, but since St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., it’s full of historical sites you can tour on foot or via a trolley, like the Spanish Quarter and the Castillo de San Marcos. It also has plenty of beaches and golfing for those who prefer a more relaxing vacation. The city is also home to unique attractions like the Classic Car Museums and the Old Jail Museum. Further south, you can visit the Fort Matanzas National Monument, a centuries-old watchtower set amid a swampy marshland.

6. Ponce, Puerto Rico

When you think of Puerto Rico, you probably associate it with San Juan. But the island’s second-most populated city is the cultural hub of Ponce. The city’s Museo de Arte is one of the best places to view art, home to 4,500 different works. There are also attractions like the Parque de Bombas (formerly the city’s main fire station), the Museo Castillo Serralles (a mansion owned by the Serralles family, owners of the Don Q rum factory), and the La Guancha Boardwalk. Nearby, discover beaches, natural swimming pools, and coffee plantations.

7. Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

CDMX is the capital of Mexico, but Guadalajara is a valid alternative, home to a lively university community and known as the birthplace of mariachi music. While many U.S.-based travelers tend to head to destinations like Cancun, Cabos, or the capital, consider this second city, an affordable and cultural destination where you can admire the impressive Guadalajara Cathedral or check out the city’s famous art murals. Nearby, you can visit the town of Tequila or the colorful village of Tlaquepaque.

8. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

We love Vancouver and Toronto, but Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, is a seafront city that’s sorely underrated. Halifax features a massive harbor and boardwalk that’s especially beautiful to visit around sunset. Besides shops, restaurants, and cafes, the area has museums like the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (Canada’s version of Ellis Island) and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which has an exhibit on the Titanic. After exploring, make sure to grab a local beer and pair it with a donair sandwich stuffed with beef, onions, tomatoes, and a garlicky sauce.

Hot Tip:

Flying to Canada (or elsewhere)? Consider snapping up the Aeroplan^® Credit Card. You’d earn bonus points when shopping at grocery stores, and the card also offers perks like Air Canada elite status and a free checked bag for a $95 annual fee.

The 3 Best Secondary Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean

While destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Nassau, and San Juan are known as tropical hot spots, see a more local side of South and Central America and the Caribbean by stopping at these second cities.

1. Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Nassau is where most travelers usually start a Bahamian vacation via cruise or air, but Freeport on Grand Bahama is a valid alternative. It’s a budding hot spot for birdwatchers, families, and those who want a resort or hotel experience that’s affordable and accessible for all. Grand Bahama has 3 national parks, but one of the best is the Lucayan National Park, a 40-acre reserve with a massive underwater cave system and numerous nature trails about 25 miles from Freeport. Back in Freeport, visitors can shop, dine, and hang out waterside at the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

2. Florianópolis, Brazil

You may recognize Rio’s famed Copacabana or Ipanmena, but Florianópolis is an island famous for its big swells and inviting sands. Known as the magic island, Florianópolis is also known for being safe and walkable. It features more than 40 beaches, incredible hiking spots, and a vibrant surf culture. You can also visit Campeche, a small island located off the coast of Santa Caterina. Many refer to this island as the Caribbean of Brazil, a place where you can hike, enjoy the idyllic beaches, or see more than 100 petroglyphs around the island.

3. Arequipa, Peru

Lima is Peru’s capital, but Arequipa, known as the White City, is a beautiful alternative. It’s also a nice add-on to a tourist-geared itinerary that includes Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas is full of colonial charm, home to the Arequipa Cathedral (don’t forget to visit the rooftop for postcard-worthy views of the square and city). A visit to the city’s main market, San Camilio, is a must. Make sure to get fresh juice, which vendors prepare right in front of you. Escape the city crowds with a weekend visit to Colca Canyon, where you can see condors flying around the Cruz de Condor viewpoint.

Bottom Line:

It’s easy to get into a rut when thinking about traveling to Latin America and the Caribbean, opting for touristy, popular, and safe destinations that feel easy. But thinking outside the box for secondary destinations in this part of the world can be rewarding, offering a more authentic travel and cultural experience. It can also allow you to fully experience natural wonders, like deserted beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and hiking trails that aren’t ruined by overtourism.

The 6 Best Secondary Cities in Europe

Europe has numerous second cities that are valid alternatives to over-visited cities. Many destinations on the continent are facing a lot of pushback from locals thanks to overtourism, like Barcelona, Mykonos, and Rome, so traveling to secondary cities is an excellent idea, especially given the current protests and other unfriendly sentiments you may encounter in primary European destinations.

1. Crete, Greece

Yes, we know all your friends are going to Mykonos and Santorini, but the secondary island of Crete is actually Greece’s largest island, largely forgotten by U.S. tourists. It has 2 airports, Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ), which means you have additional flexibility when it comes to arrival. The island has hundreds of beaches, centuries-old historical sites like the ruins of Knossos Palace, and incredible hiking trails, such as the downhill trek into the Samaria Gorge.

2. Cologne, Germany

Skip the Oktoberfest hordes in Munich and the hipsters in Berlin for a visit to Cologne. Stop to see the famous Cologne Cathedral, which dates back to 1248. Riverside strolls along the Rhine are especially quaint, as are boat cruises, which can help you get the lay of the land. Don’t miss some of the city’s unique museums, like the Fragrance Museum and the Chocolate Museum, which has a chocolate fountain filled with 440 pounds of chocolate.

3. Porto, Portugal

The Douro River runs through Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, the ideal alternative to Lisbon. This city and its twin city, Vila Nova de Gaia, are split only by the river, connected by the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. Wander Porto, admiring its beautiful tiles and architecture, then cross the bridge (an adventure in itself) to head to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour and taste port wine. Then, take a boat cruise up the river and don’t forget to visit the most beautiful bookstore in the world, Livraria Lello.

Hot Tip:

TAP Portugal is a Star Alliance member, and its frequent flyer program, TAP Miles&Go, is a partner of Capital One Miles. Use a credit card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to earn Capital One miles, then transfer them at a 1:1 ratio to TAP and book a flight to Portugal from the U.S.

4. Naples, Italy

Known to most U.S. travelers as the jumping-off point for the crowded, tourist-focused Amalfi Coast, Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is one of the few places left in Italy that still feels authentic. Visitors can have an affordable and local travel experience exploring the city’s 7 castles (my favorites are the hilltop Castel Sant’Elmo, which you can reach by cable car, and the Castel dell’Ovo, which sits practically in the sea) and wandering the (in)famous Spanish Quarter. The Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel and Museum is one of the most unique and impressive sculptural feats you can find in the region.

5. Lyon, France

Known as the foodie capital of France (it’s not Paris, surprisingly), this is a city for those who love to eat, wander, and explore. Lyon is France’s third-largest city, and a large portion of its historic center has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure to see the city’s version of Notre Dame, Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, made up of 3 different architectural styles: Gothic, Byzantine, and Romanesque. There’s also a Roman theatre that dates back to 15 B.C. Wander through the traboules, once-secret passages and corridors that lead to gardens and courtyards (they’re mostly open to the public nowadays).

6. Rotterdam, Netherlands

While Amsterdam is big and sprawling, Rotterdam is simple to navigate. It’s walkable and easy enough to bike around but not so tiny you get bored. You can enjoy some of that more traditional Dutch waterside architecture along the Nieuwe Maas River, but the city also features funky modern marvels such as the Erasmus Bridge, the yellow cubed houses, and the mirrored Depot Boijmans Art Museum. Bike culture is alive and well in the city, so you can take a bike tour to see it all or spend an afternoon wandering Delfshaven, a charming area with quaint canals and 17th-century buildings.

The 7 Best Secondary Cities in Asia, Africa, and Oceania

Secondary cities and destinations exist around the world — and there are valid alternatives to busy, touristy destinations like Bali, Cairo, Sydney, Cape Town, and Tokyo. Here’s where you should go instead.

1. Penang, Malaysia

The Malaysian hub of Kuala Lumpur may be home to the Petronas Towers, but the island of Penang has some of the coolest street art in the world. With 3D murals like “Brother and Sister on a Swing,” which features actual swings, and “I Want Bao,” showcasing a painted pair of kids reaching for dumplings on a real bicycle, street art here is truly unique. The island’s capital, George Town, is a mix of elegant colonial buildings and colorful Asian temples, complete with a multicultural food scene that’ll please any palate.

2. Osaka, Japan

If you love Tokyo but aren’t up for the crowds, visit Osaka instead. From street food to traditional Japanese puppet theater, the city has all sorts of cultural and culinary prospects to explore. Start with a visit to Osaka Castle, home to a museum and a garden full of cherry blossom trees. Fans of ramen can pick up noodles on the street, but paying a visit to the Cup Noodles Museum is entertaining, as you can make your own ramen noodles and create your very own Cup Noodles package. Then catch a bunraku (puppet theatre) show at the National Bunraku Theatre, which also features opera and ballet shows.

Hot Tip:

Japan is far away, and flights to this country can get expensive. Consider using your stash of points and miles to fly to Japan to make your trip more affordable.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai is busy but nothing compared to the craziness of Bangkok. Visit night markets and temples and participate in outdoor activities, as the surrounding area is full of mountains, woods, and waterfalls. If you need a break from the heat, head to the Lanna Folklife Center, a museum that will teach you more about northern Thai culture. There are also plenty of yoga classes and affordable Thai massages if you’d prefer wellness travel instead.

Hot Tip:

Wellness travel is trending. Read our complete guide to wellness retreats to understand more about how you can create a vacation that supports your well-being.

4. Lombok, Indonesia

Bali is a beloved paradise, but those in the market for unrivaled outdoor adventures and blissful, deserted beaches should try Lombok. The trek to the island’s towering volcano, Mount Rinjani, is difficult, so go prepared. Less experienced hikers should consider hiking to the Tiu Kelep Waterfall or the Sendang Gile Waterfall instead. Nearby, the 3 Gili Islands (Air, Meno, and Trawangan) are paradise: tiny islands home to some of the whitest sands and clearest water, where you can snorkel or dive offshore to see giant sea turtles.

5. Adelaide, Australia

More laid-back and chill than some of Australia’s other major cities, Adelaide is affordable, safe, and full of art and culture. Consider a stop at the Adelaide Zoo or the Art Gallery of South Australia. The city’s prized location is near beautiful beaches; Kangaroo Island, a pristine landscape home to kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions; and, further inland, numerous natural parks. Adelaide is also close to some of the top Australian wine regions, such as Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills.

6. Alexandria, Egypt

Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria is an ideal complementary trip to the more traditional Egyptian itinerary of Cairo and Luxor. Set upon the sea, it offers a coastal refresh after seeing all those inland destinations. You can visit the city’s best attractions in the morning, like the striking, modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina library, the ancient Roman amphitheater, and the 15th-century Quaitbay Citadel Fortress. Then cool off in the sea in the afternoon. This part of the Mediterranean is especially nice for divers, who can admire the columns and sphinxes of Cleopatra’s Underwater City.

7. Durban, South Africa

Most visitors to South Africa skip its third-largest city, Durban, for Johannesburg, Cape Town, and safari jaunts to Kruger National Park instead. But Durban is worth a stop, thanks to its world-class beaches, exceptional waves for surfing, and the uShaka Marine World, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Although you can’t spot all of the Big 5 in the area, there are many game reserves close to the city, like Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, where you can see rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and giraffes, and Phinda, a private game reserve known for its ample cheetah population.

Hot Tip:

With so many safari options in South Africa, planning a safari trip can be overwhelming. Narrow it down with this list of best safaris in South Africa.

Final Thoughts

Primary cities are often big, popular, and beautiful. But thanks to their popularity, they are often busy, expensive, and overcrowded. Secondary cities are the answer. You can visit a destination just as lovely, less expensive, and with fewer crowds, offering a more authentic and local travel experience. Fight overtourism and consider one of these top second cities around the world for your next trip.